In the modern world, the number of hair care products offered, various ways of restoring them, giving volume and shine is growing every day. Among the relatively new methods, the use of preparations with keratin for hair is becoming increasingly popular.
First, let's look at what this substance is and how keratin affects the hair.
Keratin is a complex protein found in hair, nails, skin, teeth, and also in the horns and hoofs of animals. Hair consists of keratin more than 85%. But man basically deals with already dead cells of this protein. Freshly formed cells push them outward, being at the same time a kind of protective layer.
If dying of keratin goes too intensively, and hair is prone to various traumatic factors, then they become dry, brittle and untidy. In this case, an additional layer of keratin, which can be obtained using various cosmetic products, will serve as additional protection and will give the hair a more healthy and well-groomed appearance.
Is keratin harmful to the hair?
One of the most common procedures using keratin is keratin hair straightening . As mentioned above, keratin is a natural protein contained in the hair, so it can not cause harm by itself.
Rumors associated with possible harm from this procedure have arisen because with keratin hair straightening, the composition of the used remedy, which must ensure deep penetration of keratin into the hair, can include formaldehyde. This substance accumulates in the body and at certain concentrations is toxic.
Strengthening the hair with keratin
Consider how you can use keratin for hair:
1. Hair mask with keratin . It is considered one of the best methods to strengthen and restore hair. Keratin masks for hair can now be bought in almost any pharmacy or specialized store. But it should be noted that most of these masks contain hydrolyzed (actually - crushed) keratin, the effect of which is not too significant. Masks from keratin with "whole" molecules are less common and are more expensive. In addition, in this case, keratin actually envelops the hair and can noticeably weight it.
The most famous masks are Keratin Active of Viteks, Selectiv Amino keratin and masks by Joico - the k-pak series for damaged and weakened hair. The masks "Vitex" and Selectiv include only hydrolyzed keratin, and they do not fit all types of hair. Also, especially in the case of Selectiv masks, there are censures due to the silicones contained in the composition, which can make the hair heavier. The products of Joico belong to the line of professional and more expensive cosmetics, and some of them contain not only hydrolyzed, but also whole keratin molecules.
2. Balm with keratin for hair . These funds are usually applied to damp hair after washing the head and leave for 7-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Balsams are also used, which are used as an additional protective agent. They do not need to be washed off.
Among the balms-conditioners, the most popular balm-conditioner from L'Oreal, a balm firm Syoss and the aforementioned series Joico k-pak. Syoss on the price-to-volume ratio is more budgetary, but less effective option.
3. Serum for hair with keratin . Usually it is a fairly thick liquid, which, nevertheless, is easily distributed throughout the length of the hair. This serum can be used both separately and to enhance the effect of a mask with keratin.
The serum of the company Vitex is most often found on the market. Other brands are not widely distributed and can be purchased in professional salons or on foreign websites.
Features of application of keratin for hair
- How to apply keratin to the hair? . Means with keratin should be applied along the entire length, because
they must smooth the scales, due to which the hair looks more well-groomed. - How to wash off keratin from hair? . In the case of masks with keratin or balms that need to be washed, it is best to use simply warm water. Shampoo can be washed from hair applied keratin, but the effect of it disappears. With keratin straightening of hair, if there is a need for some reason to get rid of the applied keratin, you can use shampoos for deep cleaning or shampoo-peeling. Although in most cases, if the hair does not give color or other problems after keratin straightening, the cause is usually not in the keratin, but in the remaining silicone solution after the procedure, which can be washed off with tar soap .
